One thing that I have learned over these last few months of house searching is that observing your potential future neighbors is key. Granted this isn’t the only thing to inspect but it is important. Check out their yards, see if there is anything trashy hanging around or if its well maintained. Look for empty bottles or cigarette butts (if that thing bugs you).
I haven’t been updating as much as I originally anticipated for one reason, we haven’t found anything that was interesting from the daily emails and searches on realtor.com. About a 2-3weeks ago we came across a two places within a couple blocks of each other and figured we’d give them a shot. First house was 4BR 2bath. TON of space and things were really up for it until we hit the basement/game room. Exposed pipes from fallen tile, bathroom ripped apart and severe water damage. The sellers report also said the showers dont work. Lovely!
The following house we went to is where the magic happened. Nestled in the back of a cul-de-sac was this really great 3BR 1Bath with decent size backyard. There was some water damage but the incredible hardwood floors and other amenities were making up for it. I looked out the front window and noticed that this neighbor appear, standing cross-armed and staring right at the house. Figured it was odd and shrugged it off. We finished looking at the house and went outside to walk around the back. There was the guy again. this time he followed us but stayed on his side of the property line. Now I’m paying more attention to detail. This dude is probably in his late 60′s early 70′s. Was dressed in white tube socks jacked up to his knees, shorts that were up to his bellybutton, white t-shirt crammed in side of that, had a fluffy white mustache, sunglasses and to top it off was one of those hard safari pit hats.
I looked over into his yard and there it was… his whole yard is dedicated to the Marines. I have absolutely no problem with people who are proud of their military background but this guy was obsessive. We walked back to our car and he followed us. Lushie screamed out (while holding Teaspoon) HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! he looked at her and said “ma’am” then turned and stared me down. I think he must have been crushin on me. Yeah baby!
Yeah, we’re not taking that house.
More later on what happened this weekend. If you already know shush!
One of the first pieces of advice we received was to drive around the neighborhood of any house we wanted to look at. We did this previously for a house in Mars and that proved to be a very smart move and this time would be the same. We had some errands to run on Saturday so we decided to drive around the North Hills and check out a few houses we received emails about.
From the outside the house was nice (that green is actually darker than the pic), the pictures we saw online we knew this house was absolutely perfect plus the information shows the place was updated and had a private yard. Too good to be true right? right.
We pull up across from the property and check out the other houses. Not bad, not bad. In fact we were sold on this place that we wanted to schedule an appointment. As I reached for my phone to call our Realtor it happened…
Next door in that off white house came this older lady. She got in her car, put it in reverse and backed into an SUV not once but TWICE! She pulled forward, put it in reverse and did it again! Oh yeah, there was no other car in front of her! She got out, saw us and then ran inside. My insurance agent would probably drop me for living by her.
Still amazed by what happened we leave and get maybe 4 houses away from the rear-ender when we see some ghetto chicks have their van parked in the middle of the road and are unloading it. They see us stopped and take their good ole time, read mail, chit chat. Another car came so now we have a jam and this guy wasn’t about to wait for anyone. He’s honking his horn, giving me the finger to move, which I can’t because cars on both sides prevented such a feat. Eventually the one girl gets in her van, pulls up to us, lowers her window and screams at us. No words just blaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh with full tongue ring exposed.
Needless to say, we’re no longer interested in this property and will be staying far away from this area.
Stay classy!
Lushie and I have considered buying a house since we got married over 4 years ago but something always came up and the timing just wasn’t right. That changed last month when we started the process and got the pre-approval. We’ve outgrown the rental we currently live in and Teaspoon needs more room for all this toys. I thought “Hey if my landlord reads this he’s not going to fix anything knowing we’re moving” but really, the nest of dead bees are still rotting in the ceiling and the basement still gets water every rainfall. They’re not fixing anything.
I’m starting a new series called “HIP – Househunting in Pittsburgh”. Yes I know househunting is 2 words but H.H.I.P. is lame. You’ll follow our adventures into being first time home buyers with the first story coming up as soon as I finish this post. I’m going to use social media and the tools available on the internet to buy a house. I’m open to suggestions/advice so either leave them in comments of each post or shoot me a message on the contact form.
Some things to point out:
- We need at least 3BR. Ideal would be 4 so if Teaspoon gets a sibling I would still have an office area. Furnished basement is a plus since I need to move Studio B.
- We have a Realtor. She is badass. We’re not leaving her even if you are porn star smoking hot and offer me free beer. My Realtor will kick your Realtor’s ass.
- We are open to most sections of Pittsburgh. Neither of us are native to the area so there is no fear for crossing a river or driving through a tunnel that would be restricting us. There’s a 99% chance we’re not living in the eastern part of town, however, since that’s not logical for things we do. It may be for you, not for us. Farthest north is Cranberry, south is Bethel Park, West is ummm I really don’t know anything in the west but I think Lushie has ruled most of it out.
- If you are selling a house in Pittsburgh and do not have pictures online, you’re not getting my business. Yeah we could miss out but this is 2010 and that’s how I do business. It’s easy to do and if you’re not putting that effort in then I’m wasting my time. Also only pics of just the outside don’t fly.
Let the hunt begin!
